An event to raise funds for fibromyalgia will be held in Chester this month. David and Jackie Williams are in the middle

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A music event that aims to raise awareness of the debilitating disease fibromyalgia takes place in Chester this month.

Each year David Williams organises a concert in Chester in aid of sufferers of the chronic pain disorder that his wife Jackie has been suffering from for six years.

She was just 43 when she was diagnosed with the incurable condition that causes muscle stiffness and constant pain all over the body with profound fatigue, disturbed sleep and a myriad of other difficult symptoms.

Ever since, David, who is Jackie's full time carer, has made it his mission to raise awareness and funds through the Rock Off Fibro event, which brings together a number of bands giving up their time for free.

All proceeds will go towards raising money for a fibromyalgia focused centre which will be the first of its kind in the UK.

This year's festival takes place on Saturday, April 27 at G21 at The Saddle Inn on Grosvenor Street in Chester and features performances from Scottish goth rock band Gothzilla, Liverpool blues singer Dan Wilson and The Counterfactuals and the North Wales rock band Bad Earth.

Also on the bill are Bolton musicians Bard Company and punk festival favourite Headsticks.

David said: "The event is put together entirely on good will, with the bands and venue giving their services for free, aiming to raise as much money and awareness of the disease as possible.

David and Jackie Williams (at the front) are holding an event in Chester to raise awareness of fibromyalgia

"We want to raise as much awareness as we can of fibromyalgia and invisible illnesses like PTSD, depression and ME.

"The hope is that we can build and make people aware of those suffering from illnesses like these in Chester, Deeside and further afield.

"For the last three years we have been just a group that have fundraised for money which we use to put on more events.

"But this year we are actually applying for our own charity status and have been working closely with a team of medical professionals who want to bring change to the way people are treated," he added.

Over the years Dave has even managed to garner support from the likes of Peter Hook of New Order, Kirk Brandon from Spear of Destiny and Dave Sharp of The Alarm.

"We have had amazing support from the world of music," he explained. "It's great because there is little help available for the disease.

"My wife was diagnosed six years ago and has the illness at its worst state. Most days she is bed bound and at times unable to eat or drink by herself.

"She has gone from being a long distance runner and living a serious fitness regime to being wheelchair bound and living on a cocktail of medication to mask the pain.

"There is no cure but we want to open a drop-in centre where people can come and show them there are other ways to manage the illness in positive ways with results," he added.

Tickets for the event cost £10 with doors open at 6pm. They can be purchased here .

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